In light of my recent season of questioning regarding painful life circumstances, God has once again (why did I doubt?) given me such healing encouragement.

In Bible study yesterday, part of the assignment for the week included Hebrews chapter 11 (“By Faith”).  As the ladies and I discussed situations in our lives which required faith, we began to see a picture coming into focus: the picture of God’s best for us.

Verses 39-40 caught my attention yet again (it’s underlined and encircled with notes in my Bible):

“39These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. 40God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” (emphasis added)

I love thinking about that.

Sadly, the people mentioned in chapter 11 didn’t actually see the Messiah with their eyes.  They believed that the promises were true, but were never able to see them come to fruition. 

However, the reason for this seemingly unfair truth is that God had planned something even better.

In our human minds and economy, not receiving something that has been promised is considered an unpardonable crime.  But we don’t always see the whole picture, as God intended. 

He always has something better in mind for us.  Our circumstances, though many times not our first choice, are always planned and orchestrated by God, with our best interest at heart.  And He is concerned not only for me, but for all of His children. 

That is such a comforting promise.